HOW TO

PREPARE
FOR A
HURRICANE
Table of Contents Introduction
1 Introduction A hurricane can cause widespread devastation during and after
it occurs. This guide from FEMA is designed to help you properly
2 
How to Prepare for
a Hurricane
prepare for a hurricane and know how to protect yourself during
and after one.
3 Now/Prepare
Planning and preparing can make a big difference in safety and
3  tay Informed: Emergency
S
Notifications
resiliency in the wake of a hurricane. The ability to quickly recover
following a hurricane requires a focus on preparedness, advance
4 Plan for Evacuation
planning, and knowing what to do in the event of a hurricane.
4 Family Communication Plan
5 Emergency Supplies
6 Protect Your Property

7 During/Survive
7 Evacuation Notices
7  reas Without an
A
Evacuation Notice

8 After/Be Safe
8  tay Safe and Healthy
S
Post-disaster
9  ive Steps for
F
Post-hurricane Clean-up

9 Additional Information
10 Myths/Facts
11 Hurricane Preparedness
Checklist
11 Helplines

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How to Prepare for a Hurricane
Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over ocean water and often move toward land.
Threats from hurricanes include high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, coastal and inland flooding,
rip currents, and tornadoes. The heavy winds of hurricanes can cause damage or destroy homes,
buildings, and roads, as well as cause power, water, and gas outages. These effects can injure or kill
people, disrupt transportation, and pollute drinking water. Hurricanes cause deaths and injuries
primarily from drowning, wind, and wind-borne debris. The impact from hurricanes can extend from
the coast to several hundred miles inland. To find your risk, visit FEMA’s “Know Your Risk Map.”
Be better prepared for this hurricane season, and learn more at ready.gov/prepare.

Now/Prepare During/Survive After/Be Safe

Sign up for local alerts and
warnings. Monitor local news and
weather reports.
Prepare to evacuate by testing your
emergency communication plan(s),
learning evacuation routes, having a
place to stay, and packing a “go bag.”
Stock emergency supplies.
Protect your property by installing
sewer backflow valves, anchoring
fuel tanks, reviewing insurance
policies, and cataloging belongings.
Follow guidance from local
authorities.
If advised to evacuate, grab your
“go bag” and leave immediately.
For protection from high winds,
stay away from windows and seek
shelter on the lowest level in an
interior room.
Move to higher ground if there
is flooding or a flood warning.
Turn Around Don’t Drown.®
Never walk or drive on flooded
Return to the area only after
authorities say it is safe to do so.
Do not enter damaged buildings
until they are inspected by qualified
professionals.
Never walk or drive on flooded
roads or through floodwaters.
Look out for downed or unstable
trees, poles, and power lines.
Do not remove heavy debris by
yourself. Wear gloves and sturdy,
thick-soled shoes to protect your

roads or through water. hands and feet.

Collect and safeguard critical
financial, medical, educational, and Call 9-1-1 if you are in life- Do not drink tap water unless
legal documents and records. threatening danger. authorities say it is safe.

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Now/Prepare for a Hurricane

STAY INFORMED: EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS

You can receive alerts and
warnings directly from the National
Weather Service for all hazards
with a NOAA Weather Radio (NWR).
Some radio receivers are designed
to work with external notification
devices for people who are deaf
or hard of hearing. For more
information on NWR receivers, visit
nws.noaa.gov/nwr/info/nwrrcvr.html.

Sign up for emergency alerts and

notifications that your community
may offer. Download Be Smart.
Know Your Alerts and Warnings
for a summary of notifications at
ready.gov/prepare.

WATCHES AND WARNINGS

The National Weather Service (NWS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA), issues alerts when weather conditions make hurricanes more likely. Know the terms used to
describe changing hurricane conditions and be prepared to take appropriate action.

Tropical Storm or Hurricane Advisory—The NWS issues an Advisory when it

expects conditions to cause significant inconveniences that may be hazardous.
If caution is used, these situations should not be life-threatening.
ADVISORY

Tropical Storm or Hurricane Watch—The NWS issues a Watch when a tropical storm
or hurricane is possible within 48 hours. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards,
local radio, TV, or other news sources for more information. Monitor alerts, check
your emergency supplies, and gather any items you may need if you lose power.
WATCH

Tropical Storm or Hurricane Warning—The NWS issues a Warning when it expects

a tropical storm or hurricane within 36 hours. During a Warning, complete your
storm preparations, and immediately leave the threatened area if directed to do so
by local officials.
WARNING

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Now/Prepare for a Hurricane
PLAN FOR EVACUATION
If the danger is significant, state or local government officials
may issue an evacuation notice. You can do the following to
be better prepared.
Learn your community’s evacuation
plan and identify several posted
routes to leave the area.
• Evacuation routes: Check with
your state’s Department of
Transportation or Office of
Emergency Management website
to find routes near you.
• Emergency shelter location:
To find a shelter near you,
download the FEMA app at
fema.gov/mobile-app.
Once you determine your evacuation
route and shelter location, write
them down on your Hurricane
Preparedness Checklist, which is
located at the end of this guide.
Make a plan for your pet.
To learn more, go to
ready.gov/animals.
For more resources about hurricane risk, visit ready.gov/prepare | 4
WHAT YOU NEED TO BE READY
• Plan for your entire household
including children, people with
disabilities and access and
functional needs, and pets.
• Keepyour gas tank at least
half-full at all times. Maintain
basic emergency supplies (e.g.,
snacks, bottled water, first aid kit,
flashlight, flares, jumper cables and
other tools, a wool blanket, and a
change of clothes) in your vehicle.
• Pick an out-of-state contact
everyone can call to check-in and
report their status.
• Know where you will meet up
if you are separated and where
you will stay.
• Packa “go bag” including items
you need to take with you if you
evacuate. A “go bag” should be
easy to carry and kept in a place
where you can grab it quickly.
CREATE YOUR
FAMILY EMERGENCY
COMMUNICATION PLAN
Your family may not be
together when a hurricane
occurs, so it is important to
know how to contact one
another and how to get
back together.
Keep important numbers written
down in your wallet in case you
cannot access the contact list in
your phone. Landline and cellular
phone systems are often
overwhelmed following a disaster,
so you may need to use text
messages and social media.
Designate an out-of-town contact
who can help your household
reconnect. Be sure to practice your
plan with your family. Get more
information by downloading
Be Smart Create Your Family
Emergency Communication Plan
or visit ready.gov/make-a-plan.
Write down any important phone
numbers on your Hurricane
Preparedness Checklist so you
can access them easily.
Now/Prepare for a Hurricane

EMERGENCY SUPPLIES
You can build your supplies over time by adding a few items each week or EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION
month. Gather in advance the necessary supplies and items you will need to Make sure you have everything you’ll
stay safe after the hurricane passes and as you start to recover. Stock food need to get in touch with your family
items that do not need refrigeration and will last. Regularly replace items like either through cellular phones or email.
water, food, medications, and batteries that go bad over time.
MEDICAL NEEDS
For a complete list of emergency supplies, visit ready.gov/prepare and then
Be equipped to tend to any current or
check them off your Hurricane Preparedness Checklist once you add them
unexpected medical conditions your
to your emergency kit.
family may have.

CRITICAL DOCUMENTS
Place any important documents in a
waterproof container to help keep
them dry and easily accessible.

TOOLS AND SAFETY ITEMS

Small items like matches, flashlights,
a multi-purpose tool, and a whistle
can make a huge difference for your
family while weathering the storm.

FOOD/SUPPLIES
Have at least a three-day supply of
non-perishable food and water for your
family. Remember to pack anything
specific to your family’s needs.

HYGIENE AND SANITATION

Practicing good hygiene can stop the
spread of bacteria and infectious disease.

PROTECTIVE GEAR
Protect yourself by packing warm
clothes and blankets to prevent
hypothermia. Don’t forget protective
footwear and gloves too.

COMFORT & PRICELESS ITEMS

You may be away from your home for an
extended period and your property may
be damaged. Grab any items that are
irreplaceable or may provide comfort to
your family, especially your children.
Ask yourself, “What would I need for
myself and my family if a hurricane
struck?” Add any of these specific items
to your Hurricane Preparedness Checklist.

For more resources about hurricane risk, visit ready.gov/prepare | 5

Now/Prepare for a Hurricane

TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY

AGAINST WIND AND WATER DAMAGE
Planning and preparing before a hurricane strikes can help you manage the impact of high winds and
floodwaters. Take the steps outlined below to keep you and your family safe while protecting your home
and property. If you are a renter, talk with your landlord or property manager about the steps you can take
together to protect yourself, your family, your home, and your property.

WIND
High winds: The best way to reduce the risk of damage to a structure from
hurricane winds is to reinforce or strengthen the building including doors,
windows, walls, and roofs. The best way to protect yourself is to consider
either constructing a safe room that meets FEMA criteria or a storm shelter
that meets ICC 500 criteria.

Wind-borne debris: Bring loose, lightweight objects (e.g., patio furniture,

garbage cans, and bicycles) inside; anchor objects that would be unsafe to
bring inside (e.g., gas grills and propane tanks); and trim or remove trees
close enough to fall on buildings.

FLOOD
There are steps that you or your
property owner can take now to
make your home or business more
flood resistant. Some improvements
are simple and inexpensive; others
require more of an investment. As
your budget allows, take these steps
to protect your property from flood
damage and manage your risks.
•  eep gutters and drains free
K
of debris.
• Install a water alarm and sump
pumps with battery backup.
• Install “check valves” in sewer
lines to prevent floodwater from
backing up into your drains.
•  tockpile emergency protective
S
materials such as plywood, plastic
sheeting, and sandbags.
•  levate the heating system
E
(furnace), water heater, and electric
panel if susceptible to flooding.
• Waterproof the basement.
• In areas with repetitive flooding,
consider elevating the building.

FLOOD INSURANCE
Most property insurance policies do not cover flood losses, so you will need to purchase separate flood insurance
if your property is at risk for flooding. Talk to your insurance agent about buying flood insurance. Flood insurance
is available for homeowners, renters, and business owners through the National Flood Insurance Program in
participating communities. Keep in mind that a policy purchased today will take 30 days to go into effect, so act now!

Learn how to financially protect yourself from flood damage by visiting FloodSmart.gov.

Find your flood risk at msc.fema.gov/portal.

For more resources about hurricane risk, visit ready.gov/prepare | 6

During/Survive a Hurricane

DECIDING TO STAY OR GO
If authorities advise or order you to evacuate, grab your “go bag” and leave immediately. If you are not in
a mandatory evacuation zone, you may still decide to leave the area, you may need to move to higher
ground, or you may choose to stay in your home. If you decide to stay home, remember that even if the
high winds and floodwaters do not reach your home, you may lose power and water, and you may not be
able to leave your home for several days if the roads are impassable.

IF YOU ARE IN AN AREA WHERE AUTHORITIES ADVISE OR ORDER YOU TO EVACUATE:

TAKE ACTION IMMEDIATELY TO EVACUATE!

Grab your “go bag” and leave immediately. Follow posted evacuation
routes and do not try to take shortcuts because they may be blocked.
Stick to designated evacuation routes. For localized information:
• Evacuation routes: Check with your state’s Department of Transportation
or Office of Emergency Management website to find routes near you.
• Emergency shelter location: To find a shelter near you, check the
FEMA mobile app: fema.gov/mobile-app.

Don’t forget: Write down your evacuation route and shelter information
on your Hurricane Preparedness Checklist.

IF YOU ARE IN AN AREA WITHOUT AN EVACUATION NOTICE:

If you are in an area that is flooding
(e.g., on the coast, on a floodplain,
near a river, or on an island
waterway), move to a location on
higher ground before floodwaters
reach you.
Stay indoors and away from
windows and glass doors. If you are
in a temporary structure, safely
move to a sturdy building and go to
a windowless room on the lowest
level that is not likely to flood.
Never use a generator, gasoline-
powered equipment and tools, grill,
camp stove, or charcoal burning
device inside or in any partially
enclosed area. Keep these devices
outside and at least 20 feet from
doors, windows, and vents.

For more resources about hurricane risk, visit ready.gov/prepare | 7

After/Be Safe

POST-DISASTER
TIPS TO STAY SAFE
If you’ve evacuated the area,
wait for public officials to say
it is safe before returning.
Each year, a significant
number of people are injured
or killed while cleaning up
after a hurricane. As you
begin cleanup, keep these
safety tips in mind:

STAY SAFE
Do not wade in floodwaters, which can contain dangerous debris like broken
glass, metal, dead animals, sewage, gasoline, oil, and downed power lines.

Do not enter a building until it has been inspected for damage to the
electrical system, gas lines, septic systems, and water lines or wells.
Wear appropriate protective equipment such as gloves, safety glasses,
rubber boots, and masks to protect you from debris and airborne particles,
e.g., mold and dust.

Do not use electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water.

Protect your pet following a hurricane. To learn more, visit ready.gov/animals.

STAY HEALTHY
Throw out any food including canned items that were not maintained at a
proper temperature or have been exposed to floodwaters. Do not eat food
from a flooded garden. When in doubt, throw it out.

Avoid drinking tap water until you know it is safe. If uncertain, boil or
purify it first.

Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater
can contain sewage, bacteria, and chemicals.

For more resources about hurricane risk, visit ready.gov/prepare | 8

After/Be Safe

FIVE STEPS FOR POST-HURRICANE CLEAN-UP

Use appropriate personal protective equipment to avoid injury from possible exposure to mold and
bacteria including gloves, goggles, rubber boots, and N95 masks.

AIR OUT by opening all doors
and windows whenever you are
present. Leave as many windows
open when you are not present as
security concerns allow.
MOVE OUT saturated porous CLEAN OUT and disinfect any
materials such as mattresses or remaining debris and mud.
upholstered items, especially those
DRY OUT the building and any
with visible fungal growth.
remaining contents.
TEAR OUT flooring, paneling,
drywall, insulation, and electrical
outlets saturated by floodwater.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The following resources and websites can help you further prepare for, respond to, and recover
from a hurricane.
FEMA Mobile App: fema.gov/mobile-app RELATED WEBSITES
FEMA Against the Wind: Protecting Your American Red Cross Hurricane Preparedness:
Home From Hurricane and Wind Damage: redcross.org/prepare/disaster/hurricane
fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/2988
FEMA Hurricane: ready.gov/hurricanes
FEMA Community Hurricane Preparedness Training:
training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=is-324.a FloodSmart Campaign: FloodSmart.gov

FEMA Taking Shelter From the Storm: Building
a Safe Room in Your Home or Small Business:
fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/
2009?id=1536
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA): noaa.gov
Para obtener información y recursos en español visite
community.fema.gov/?lang=es

For more resources about hurricane risk, visit ready.gov/prepare | 9

TEST YOUR HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS KNOWLEDGE
1 MYTH: Preparing for disasters
is time-consuming and expensive.
FACT: Signing up for local
alerts and warnings is free.
Many preparedness apps are
also free.
FACT: Your home may already
contain emergency kit items.
FACT: You can purchase items
for an emergency kit and
assemble it over time.
FACT: Having an adequate
emergency supply of food and a
communication plan can be of
benefit no matter the hazard.
2 MYTH: My homeowners
insurance should cover
everything if a hurricane
affects me.
FACT: This is not always the
case. Check your insurance
policy and consult your
insurance agent.
FACT: Standard homeowners
insurance does not cover flood
damage.
For more resources about hurricane risk, visit ready.gov/prepare
3 MYTH: In an emergency, only
first responders need to know
what to do.
FACT: Everyone needs to know
what to do before, during, and
after a hurricane to protect
themselves, their families, and
their neighbors.
FACT: First responders may not
reach you for hours or days after
a hurricane strikes. Everyone
needs to know what to do to
stay safe.
4 MYTH: I am prepared for any
emergency, including a
hurricane, if I have an
emergency kit packed.
FACT: Emergency preparedness
requires more than a kit.
FACT: Having a family
communication plan, signing up
for alerts and warnings, and
knowing what to do and how to
evacuate are also important.
FACT: Many emergencies
require knowledge of what to do
to protect yourself.
5 MYTH: It’s okay if I drive
through a small amount of
floodwater.
FACT: As little as 12 inches of
water can float smaller SUVs
and 18 inches of water can float
larger vehicles such as full-size
SUVs.
FACT: The depth of the water is
not always obvious, and moving
water has tremendous power.
Turn Around Don’t Drown®
FACT: Even a small amount of
water on a road may hide dangers
such as undermined roads ready
to collapse.
6 MYTH: A person can safely wait
to evacuate until confirmation
that a hurricane is in their area.
FACT: Those who wait for actual
confirmation of a hurricane may
be trapped by high winds,
flooding, or traffic.
7 MYTH: If I tape my windows, it
will protect them from strong
hurricane force winds.
FACT: Taping windows can
create larger and deadlier shards
of glass.
FACT: Hurricane shutters or
impact-resistant windows are far
more effective in protecting
against breakage of windows.
| 10
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST
The right time to prepare for a hurricane is now. This helpful checklist will get you started. Make sure to include your
entire family in the preparation and discuss your emergency plan with them. Post this checklist in an easily accessible
location so it’s always close by. Remember to keep in mind your family’s unique needs as you complete the checklist.

BEFORE A HURRICANE TOOLS & SAFETY ITEMS DURING A HURRICANE

Stock your emergency kit and
“go bag” with:
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION
Important contact information for

family, school, work, doctors, etc.,
including phone numbers and
email addresses
Cellular phone, extra battery, and

chargers for electrical equipment
FOOD/SUPPLIES
AM/FM radio/NOAA Weather
 _________________________________________
Radio (extra batteries)
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
MEDICAL NEEDS
Flashlight When a tropical storm or hurricane watch
is issued, it’s important to stay informed.
Multi-purpose tool

Matches or lighter in waterproof Tune in to channels: ___________________
container _________________________________________
Whistle
 Check for alerts on apps: FEMA App
_________________________________________
_____________________________________

_____________________________________
 In case of evacuation, grab your
“go bag” and leave immediately.
Use evacuation route: _________________
At least a three-day supply of
water and non-perishable food The closest shelter is: _________________
Infant formula and diapers _________________________________________
Pet food, supplies, and extra water
 Meet family at: _________________________
_____________________________________
 ________________________________________

Medications for at least one week

 _____________________________________
 Make sure to take these important
and copies of prescriptions numbers with you:
Extra eyeglasses/contact lenses HYGIENE & SANITATION Family member’s name:
_________________________________________
Medical equipment/assistive
 Soap/disinfectant/sanitizer
Phone #: _______________________________
technology and backup batteries Paper towels/moist towelettes Email: _________________________________
First aid kit
 Toilet paper
Local contact’s name:
_____________________________________ Bleach
 _________________________________________
_____________________________________ Toothbrush and toothpaste
 Phone #: _______________________________
Email: _________________________________
_____________________________________

CRITICAL DOCUMENTS
Out-of-state contact’s name:
Photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, _____________________________________
 _________________________________________
passport) Phone #: _______________________________
PROTECTIVE GEAR & CLOTHING Email: __________________________________
Cash and credit cards
Extra warm clothes

Personal records (e.g., birth
 Primary physician’s name:
certificates, marriage certificates) Sturdy shoes
 _________________________________________
Medical records
 Blankets or sleeping bags
 Phone #: _______________________________
Email: __________________________________
Financial information (e.g., bank
 _____________________________________
account or credit card information) _____________________________________ Hospital’s phone #:
Property records (e.g., insurance
 _________________________________________
policies, deed, or lease) COMFORT & PRICELESS ITEMS
Insurance company’s phone #:
Waterproof, portable container for
 Items like: books, puzzles, favorite
 _________________________________________
important documents stuffed toy, photo albums, valuables FEMA’s helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA
_____________________________________ _____________________________________ TTY: 1-800-462-7585
_____________________________________ _____________________________________ VRS: 1-800-621-3362
Red Cross’s helpline: 1-800-733-2727

For more resources about hurricane risk, visit ready.gov/prepare | 11